1. Ford F-150
2. Toyota FT-1
Nobody called it the next Supra on the show stand, but many called it that afterward – and it’s seriously hot. When was the last time anyone said that about a Toyota? This is still a concept, though the fact that it will launch digitally this week for Gran Turismo gamers suggests there may be production plans. Toyota didn’t reveal technical specs for the car; the company just wanted folks to go gaga over its reputation-shredding look. Mission accomplished.
3. Cadillac ATS Coupe
Sure, the hearts of all performance enthusiasts went aflutter for Chevrolet’s barbarian 620-plus horsepower Covette Z06. More practically, Cadillac’s fine-handling ATS two-door sedan arrives this summer to battle the new BMW 4 Series and Audi A5/S5 lines. The ATS Coupe will offer rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, its shapely exterior complementing slightly upgraded versions of the sedan’s turbocharged four- and six-cylinder engines.
4. Chrysler 200
Chrysler hopes the new, slick-looking, mid-size sedan will finally propel it to mainstream family four-door relevance. Arriving this spring, a standard nine-speed transmission, rotary dial shifter and advanced all-wheel drive system are part of the package, all using the Italian underpinnings of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta. Luxury-worthy safety systems include lane departure warnings, full automatic parking – parallel or either end in – plus adaptive cruise control and a forward collision warning system, the latter two of which can reportedly bring the car to a stop.
5. Kia GT4 Stinger concept
The GT4 Stinger concept may seem to be a version of the Hyundai Genesis Coupe, but Kia is adamant that there are no plans to produce the 315-horsepower, rear-wheel drive, 2+2 sports car concept. Powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, it makes considerably more juice than the similarly sized turbo four in the aforementioned Hyundai, but is sized closer to the Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ.
6. Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Still the company’s best-selling car in Canada, even after less expensive models such as the B-Class and CLA launched in the past two years, the next-generation C-Class hits the market in more upscale form, adding in interior refinements that will separate it from Benz’s smaller B and CLA compacts. The iPad-like screen sticks out from the top of the dash, looking like a maxi-sized one versus the iPad Mini-like screen on smaller Benz four-doors, but equally tempting to try to rip off and take with you. A touch pad above the circular controller can be used to key in letters and numbers – in any language. Options will include an air suspension, and a self-parking system.
7. Honda Fit
8. Lexus RC F
The sexy Lexus RC F was unveiled in RC concept form at the Tokyo auto show, and will hit the market as a new range-topping V-8 sports car for Lexus. Like other Lexus models – okay, only one, the IS-F – the F signifies fast, offering the brand’s most powerful V-8 ever, with more than 450 horsepower.
9. Porsche 911 Targa
Alexander Pollich, CEO of Porsche Canada, admits that the last 911 Targa was basically a C4 coupe with a panoramic roof, so he was happy to see this Targa unveiled. Its roof disappearing act could qualify as a 17-second ballet – with the entire rear glass and assembly rising up and down into the motorized raised trunk, there’s an undeniably mesmerizing hydraulic grace to it all. Traditionally, the all-wheel-drive-only Targa has generated between 10 and 15 per cent of sales, said Pollich, but with the unique ‘basket-handle’ roof and trick top, it’ll be a unique offering when it arrives this summer, starting at about $116,000 for the 350-horsepower Targa 4.
10. Nissan Sport Sedan Concept
The non-award for most boring name went to Nissan with the Sport Sedan Concept, but its look is much less yawn-inducing than its moniker. With a front-end that mimics the aggressive nose that is on the Pathfinder, the Nissan SSC not only offers an advanced preview of the next-gen Maxima, but also foreshadows common design elements on other future models, says Nissan, including the V-grille, “floating” roof and boomerang-shaped headlights.